THE HEIGHT OF STUPIDITY!!!

At Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, I witness the height of stupidity.  Our previous Finance Director, Mr. Edward Karass, briefed the Town Council on what are good financial practices and what are financial bad practices.  He was trying to explain how our town got into the financial fix the town was in and what can be done to get the town out of debit.  One of the areas to correct was to eliminate the practice of lease to purchase Police cruisers. 

 The Town Council does a decent job when it comes to allocating funding for Police cruisers in the town budget.  The funds to purchase these vehicles are allocated in the approved budget.  The old process was twofold.  Part one is to get a bid for the purchase and then to borrow funds to pay for the lease to purchase of the cruisers.  This adds to the cost of the cruiser and requires the taxpayer to pay additional fees for leasing.  Mr. Karass and I agree that if you allocate the funding for these vehicles in the budget the town should pay OUTRIGHT for the purchase of the vehicles.  This saves the taxpayers the cost of leasing and does not increase the town’s debit.

 However, Mr. Karass has been gone about a month now and on Tuesday night the old procedure was back in place by lease to purchase a Police cruiser.  There was no need to go lease to purchase because the funding had already been approved in the budget.  The police budget is roughly two million tax dollars so there should be sufficient funds to purchase the cruiser OUTRIGHT and save the town leasing fees.  According to the Town Manager, this is the way it always has been done.

 Doing things because we have always done it that way is about as dump as it comes.  Especially after our previous Finance Director explained why this is a bad practice.  Vice-Chair Metivier stated that the Town Council would look into the area next year.  This is the same answer we have gotten for the past three years, with no results.  It is terrible to have the right information and then ignore it.

 This cruiser has to be retrofitted with the communication equipment in the vehicle.  However, the equipment is for a Crown Vic and not the SUV the town purchased so there is going to be an additional cost to transfer the equipment into the new cruiser.  The Town Council added an additional cost of roughly $7,625 to the cost of purchasing the cruiser, which was $25,375.00 to make it an even $33,000.00.  The Town Council could have used $7,625.00 of forfeiture funds to cover this additional cost.  This is what the forfeiture funds are designed to be utilized for but none of our Councilors thought of it. 

 This is the problem with the Council Working Rules.  The Council Working Rules eliminate a chance of having a discussion or dialogue on issues with the Public.  Apparently, the Town Council believes they are smarter than everyone else in town and therefore does not need to get additional help.  Think about what would happen if everyone could input data into a problem so that the Town Council had all the facts in order to make an intelligent decision.

Please call the Town Manager and your Councilors and voice your concerns about spending your tax dollars when there is no need.

 Larry Fillmore        

 

LISBON NEEDS LEADERSHIP!!!!!

When the people of Lisbon go to the polls on November 8th to vote; it is crucial they vote for individuals that possess two important traits.  They are leadership and the ability to put what is best for the community first.  I believe we have this on the School side but on the Town Council; we are seriously lacking.

On October 6, 2015, the Town Council, which included the following Councilors Bickford, Crafts, Brunelle, and Metivier, voted to stop the Consolidation of the Lisbon Communication Center and the Androscoggin County Dispatch.  This consolidation would have allowed the 911 operators to dispatch directly OUR First Responders in emergency situations.  This initiative would have made it possible for OUR First Responder to get to the scene more quickly and possibly save more lives.  At the same time, Councilors Pesce and Garrison estimated a cost saving to the town of approximately $190,000.00 tax dollars.  To me this is a significant savings for the taxpayers. 

However, since October 6, 2015, these same supposedly Councilors have made no effort to pursue this any further.  That means that every man, woman and child’s live remain endanger.  This outrages me and should you but no one other than myself; Mr. Stacey and Dorothy Fitzgerald have tried to get the Town Council to take immediate action to correct this situation.  What is going to happen when a loved one dies because of the delay in First Responder getting to the scene and the family sues the town for failure to provide a safe environment in Lisbon? 

We have two sitting Councilors up for reelection who voted to stop the consolidation and they are supposedly Councilors Metivier and Brunelle.  If these two are reelected, they will not make any effort to correct this situation.  Putting our citizen’s life a risk all the time is bad enough not looking into way to save the taxpayers money is inexcusable.  These two have clearly demonstrated the past two years they are not leaders nor have the ability to put what is best for the community first.  It will be up to the people on November 8th to choose our next Town Council so it is critical they choose wisely.  I will not be voting for either of these two.

The Androscoggin County Dispatch is willing to work with our new Chief of Police to provide emergency dispatching to Lisbon.  However, it is up to the Town Council to make the first move.  I do not care which Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) provides the service as long as the PSAP dispatch First Responder immediately receipt of the 911 call.  There are two PSAP in Androscoggin County which is L/A 911 and Androscoggin County Dispatch.

If you are tired of having your life and that of yours love ones put at risk, call the your Town Council, Town Manager and the Chief of Police and DEMAND they take immediate action to correct this mess.

Larry Fillmore

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – NOVEMBER 1ST

At last night’s Town Council meeting, the following is a summary.

 Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances –

1.     FD 2 – 2016 SCBA Compressor Bid Results – The Council approved the bid from Industrial Protection Service for $21,945.00 by a vote of 4-0.  Excused Councilors were Bickford, Kolbe, and Albert.

2.     Cruiser Bid Award – The Council approved the bid from Casco Bay for $25,375 and an additional cost for changing over equipment for a total of $33,000.00 by a vote of 4-0.  This is again a lease to purchase.

Under Other Business – Kathy Malloy (Assessor) and Dennis Douglas (Code Enforcement Officer) provided Department Heads Oral Briefings to the Council.

 Under Appointments – The Council approved two new committees as follows:

 Advisory Committee as part of the CDBG requirements - Members are Tracey Steuber; Amanda Bunker; Dennis Douglas; Karin Paradis; Don Fellows; Scott Hall; Fern LaRochelle and Gina Mason.

Lisbon Brownfields Steering Committee – Members are Tracey Steuber; Richard Main; Charlotte Farnum; Marie Hale; Trevor Kenkel; Roger Bickford and Gina Mason.

Larry Fillmore 

LISBON COMMUNICATION CENTER

The following are FACTS concerning the Lisbon Communication Center:

a.  Androscoggin County Dispatch receives all 911 (emergency phone calls) and has to call 353-2500 (Lisbon Communication Center) to have First Responders dispatched.  If 353-2500 is busy (which 911 operators have told me happened several times) delays the response time for First Responders to get to the scene.
b. There are absolutely no dispatchers at the Lisbon Communication Center that are currently qualified as Emergency Medical Dispatchers.  This means that there is no one qualified to determine an Emergency Medical Code.  This code is critical for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to alert them as to what equipment and medical supplies are going to be needed.  This is yet another reason why not to use 353-2500 for emergency situations.
c. At Candidate Night a sitting Councilor (Chris Brunelle) announced that for local 911 call 353-2500.  This is so incredible wrong.  All emergency situations should go through the Maine State 911 system.  353-2500 is the NON-emergency phone number to reach Lisbon Police Department.  353-2500 should never be used for emergency situations because the dispatchers are not qualified to handle emergency situations.  This show the level of competence of our Councilors.  The worst part is that only one Councilor has investigated and got the facts on the Lisbon Communication Center and that is Councilor Klobe.  Every time she tried to bring this up; Roger Bickford and Eric Metivier refused to discuss this issue and changed the subject.
d. By not having the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) dispatching our First Responder and having to wait for unqualified personnel to answer 353-2500; creates a delay in responding to emergency situation which in turn puts every resident of Lisbon’s life a risk.  This is a Public Safety issue and needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. 

So what is the problem and how do we correct the situation:  First and foremost the Town Council needs to get educated as to how to improve the quality of life for its residents.  I recommended to the new Chief Hagen, Town Manager Barnes and Councilors Ward, Albert and Klobe that a joint workshop be held with
Androscoggin County Dispatch (Sheriff Samson and Director Fournier) and the Town Council to resolve any issues remain unanswered.  So far Chief Hagen and Town Manager Barnes said they cannot get involved until the Town Council asked them.  Councilors Ward and Albert keep stalling and Councilor Klobe has always been in favor.  Androscoggin County is willing to participate.  The Lisbon Communication Center has always been a political issue instead of a Public Safety issue. 

The Town Council and Town Manager want to wait until after the election.  As you well know, I do not think Erick Metivier and Chris Brunelle should be reelected because they have cost this community a great deal of tax dollars and have failed to tackle this Public Safety issue.  In fact, these two are part of the group that created this mess.

The people need to elect leaders and not followers.  We need to elect people that will take politics out of the situation and vote for what is best for the community.  Right now former Town Councils have put everyone in this community’s lives at risk because there was no follow-up by the next Council on this issue.  The solution is very simple and that is to hire a PSAP to dispatch our First Responder upon receipt of an emergency situation.  There are two PSAP’s in Androscoggin County (L/A 911 and Androscoggin County Dispatch).  It does not make any difference which one we use and long as we eliminate having to contact the Lisbon Communication Center prior to dispatching our First Responder.

The need to start now is because whichever PSAP is selected it is going to take approximately six month for the transition.

Larry Fillmore

WHEN TO CALL 353-2500 AND WHEN TO CALL 911

 

At the Candidates Forum on Tuesday October 18 Chris Brunelle,

a Town Councilor, running for re-election, made the statement 'that for

 

emergencies call 353-2500.'

353-2500 is the phone number for the Lisbon Police Department.

 They answer Lisbon Communications. 

When to call 353-2500:

    To report a break-in.

    To report non-life threatening situations.

    To report a theft, i.e. of a vehicle, bicycle, private property.

    To report any suspicious activity.

        You get the idea????

When to call 911:

    FOR ANY AND ALL EMERGENCIES !!!!!!!!! 

 

THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN, OR THAT OF A

                            LOVED ONE.

 

Submitted by:  Dorothy Fitzgerald

                        Concerned Citizen

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – OCTOBER 18TH

This is a summary of a very short Town Council meeting.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances:

1.  School Capital Reserve Request – The Council approved for the School Department to spent $20,311.00 for Gartley Street repairs and for a new dishwasher by a vote of 5-0.  Councilor Albert and Bickford were both excused.
2. HVAC Service Contract – The Council approved the award of the contract to Patriot Mechanical in the amount not to exceed $4,480.00 by a vote of 5-0.
3. Acceptance of CDBG Downtown Revitalization Grant – The Council accepted the CDBG Grant funds for $320,000.00 for its Lisbon Falls Streetscape Project and set a date of November 1st as a date for a Public Hearing by a vote of 5-0.
4. Acceptance of FY16 HSGP Funds - The Council accepted the award of this grant in two parts.  The first was for Maine Emergency Management in the amount of $15,258.44 to be applied toward a generator and for the Police Department for $3,485.00 for upgrading the exterior security cameras by a vote of 5-0.

Under Other Business – The Town Manager informed everyone that a new telephone system is being installed at the town office.  Also Mark Steven updated the Council on the Recreation and Parks Department.

Larry Fillmore

THE JOKE OF THE DAY!!!!!!

The other day, I was running errands around town and almost lost control of my vehicle after reading Mr. Eric Metivier’s reelection sign.  The sign read “a Citizen and not a politician”.  Are you kidding me?

Eric Metivier was one of the ringleaders that challenged the School Department budget a few years ago.  The result was in the taxpayers having to pay approximately $15,000.00 for five extra referendums and additional legal fees.  Mr. Metivier also stopped the consolidation of the Androscoggin County Dispatch and the Lisbon Communication Center.  According to Councilors Garrison and Pesce the cost savings to the town would be approximately $190,000.00 per year.  Since it has been two years, which means this move resulted in the taxpayers have lost out on approximately $380,000.00 and will continue too until Lisbon gets rid of the Lisbon Communication Center.

Mr. Metivier has always been a member of the “Good Old Boys” network which is just another way of saying “Politician”.  

On November 8th, the people of Lisbon must think hard and long before casting their vote for Town Councilors.  Mr. Chris Brunelle voted with Mr. Metivier on everything.  Mr. Brunelle is a follower and not a leader.  Neither one of these two individuals has demonstrated they have the best interest of the community at heart.  Instead, they are wasting our taxpayers’ hard earned money.  

Please choose carefully!  In order to move our community forward, the Town Council has got to remember to put the best interest of the community in making their decision.

Larry Fillmore

DAS IST GENUG!!!!!

We are coming up on the second anniversary of the Town Council shutting down the Consolidation of the Lisbon Communication Center and the Androscoggin County Dispatch project for providing emergency services to Lisbon.  The estimated cost savings to the community was approximately $190,000.00 tax dollars per year.  So far, the community has lost out on approximately $380,000.00 tax dollars.  The following fake councilors can take full credit for this:  Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts.

 

These individuals have made no effort to investigate and resolve any questions they had at the time so we can assume that questions were NOT the real reason for shutting down the project.  If these individuals really cared about our community or they would have looked into how to save approximately $190,000.00 per year in tax dollars for the people.  However, they never made an effort to provide relieve for the people but instead increased our taxes every year.  However, come November of this year, the people will have an opportunity to correct this situation and vote someone in that will put whatever is best for the community before any personal agendas.

 

There are several critical reasons to having Androscoggin County Dispatch provide our emergency services to the community.

 

(1)           Having Androscoggin County Dispatch immediately dispatch OUR first responder upon receipt of the 911 call will provide the best quality of life possible.  Forcing Androscoggin County Dispatch to contact Lisbon Communication Center prior to dispatching OUR first responder (current system) is time consuming and if they cannot make contact because 353-2500 is busy as has happened on numerous occasions cause a delay that puts our lives as risk needlessly.

 

(2)           Having Androscoggin County Dispatch providing emergency services to Lisbon will save the community approximately $190,000.00 tax dollars.  This is NOT chump change and will help to reduce our taxes.

 

(3)           Having Androscoggin County Dispatch providing emergency services to Lisbon will enable Sergeant Moore to return to the Police Department full time.  This will improve the efficiency of the Patrol Division.

 

(4)           None of the individuals currently filling positions as dispatchers are currently qualified as Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD) so they should be classified as Communication Specialist.  There is no NEGEN911 equipment in the Lisbon Communication Center and therefore they do not receive 911 calls directly and cannot establish the Emergency Medial Code (EMC) that is required to be pass on to the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in an emergency medical situation.

 

These are a few advantages for closing the Lisbon Communication Center. However, I am sure that by now you are asking the same question “Why has these imposters not looked into the situation in two years?”  This is a scenario which should be of great importance to provide residents with better quality of life and would save the people money.  These two items should always be a top priority in order to improve our community.  Think about how far $380,000.00 could have gone to improving our community. 

 

This brings me to the reason for this article.  If the phonies do not come to an agreement with Androscoggin County Dispatch or any other Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) by the end of the year; the town will lose another $190,000.00 for next year. I have talked to Androscoggin County Dispatch and they estimate it will take approximately six months to integrate Lisbon into their system.  This will move us into yet another budget season and the community will lose out for another year. 

 

The Town Council has stalled enough.  Let’s have a Town Council workshop and include representative from Androscoggin County Dispatch or whatever PSAP they want to use and resolve all questions and move forward and do what is right.

 

Larry Fillmore

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – OCTOVER 4TH

This is a summary of the Town Council meeting for October 4, 2016.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions and Ordinances –

1. Outdoor Shooting Range (Second Reading) – The Council voted by a vote of 7-0 to approve.
2. CDBG Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program – Lisbon Business Façade Program – The Council approved by a vote of 7-0 to adopt the Town of Lisbon Business Façade Grant Guidelines and Requirements.
3. Self-Contained Breathing Fill Station Compressor – The Council authorized the Fire Chief to solicit bids for self-contained breathing fill stations by a vote of 7-0.
4. Request to go to bid for 2017 Ford SUV Interceptor – The Council authorized the Chief of Police to solicit bids for a 2017 Ford SUV Interceptor.
5. HVAC Service Contract – The Council tabled this item because they needed more information.
6. Managed IT Support Service Contract – The Council awarded the bid to the Round Table Technology for $53,790.00 by a vote of 7-0.

Under Other Business - The Town Manager is working on an information paper to explain the Charter Changes on the November ballot.  Ryan Leighton provided an update on both the Sewer Study and the Downtown Parking Lot & Hasey Street situations.

Under Appointments – Both Richard Main and Annica McGuirk were appointed to the Conservation Commission.

Larry Fillmore

Partnerships Benefit Certified Nurses’ Aides

 

Pictured (l-r):  back row:  Brittany Blais, St. Mary’s Health System Human Resources ; Danielle Harmon, Nursing Unit Manager; Gloria Barker, CNA Instructor;  Students Emily Jackson, Casey Fitzpatrick, instructor Teri Cyr, CNA Instructor; Brianna Robinson, Linda Roberts, Business Employment Services/CareerCenter; Jennifer Tiner, LAE Assistant Director.  Front row:  Cher Tara, CareerCenter; Casey Moore, Paula Caron, Jennifer Robichaud, Jennifer Daigneault, and Roxanne Belle.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime.

Lewiston – Nine local students graduated as Certified Nurses’ Aides at Lewiston Adult Education (LAE) on Wednesday, September 21.  The pinning ceremony was held at LAE with  family, friends, administrators, teachers, and community partners in attendance.  Students successfully completed a collaborative program of Ready2Work provided by Lewiston Adult Education and an On-the-Job Training Program (OJT) through grant funding provided by Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) and the Lewiston CareerCenter. “This graduation class is not only the result of the students’ dedication but also the best model of train to work where business, education, and workforce development collaborate, shares Patti Saarinen, WIOA Site Coordinator WMCA – Lewiston CareerCenter.  OJT is an incentive based program providing 50% of a trainee’s wages during the duration of the program.  Students are empowered with the skills and knowledge essential to the specific job field.

“Lewiston Adult Education (LAE) is proud of our graduating students who completed this rigorous program that included: 100 hours of Work Ready training, 110 hours of combined CNA classroom and lab work, and 70 hours of clinical practicum,” shared Jennifer Tiner, LAE Assistant Director.  “This program and the partnership between Lewiston Adult Education, WMCA, the Career Center, and St. Mary’s Health System, is an example of the success that can be achieved through the integration of education and training.”

FYI on work-driven educational training opportunities and partnerships, contact the nearest CareerCenter or email monica.millhime@maine.gov or call 754.9040.

Monica M. Millhime

IF WE ONLY HAD FOUR REAL COUNCILORS

 
In 2014, two REAL Town Councilors were looking into ways to reduce the operating cost of the town in order to reduce taxes for residents.  What a novel idea?  Two of the REAL Councilors estimated that the town could save the taxpayers approximately $190,000.00 by having Androscoggin County Dispatch provide our emergency services.  They even went so far as to begin working with Sheriff Samson and his staff on how to go about it.  However, the project was stopped by the Council because of a dog and pony show by former Chief of Police David T. Brooks.  Chief Brooks provided false information to the people and the Council.

Instead of trying to iron out the differences, our current Town Council dropped the idea.  Roger Bickford has been making excused for not trying to make it work.  To me, saving taxpayers approximately $190,000.00 deserves a second look.  I decided to look into it a little further to see where the disconnect really is.  The most disturbing part of the current system is that all request for emergency services automatically go to Androscoggin County Dispatch.  Androscoggin County Dispatch immediately dispatches First Responder upon receipt of the call for all towns they provide service for with the exception of Lisbon.  Lisbon REQUIRES Androscoggin County Dispatch to notify Lisbon Communication Center at 353-2500 and Lisbon Communication Center is the ONLY ones authorized to dispatch our First Responders.  What a useless system!  I talked to the Emergency Medical Dispatchers/911 operators at the Androscoggin County Dispatch and they informed me that there have been several times that they could not get thru on 353-2500 which causes a time delay before First Responders are dispatched.  This puts our live a risk every day.  What this means is that we are paying over $360,000.00 a year to be put at risk. 

The reason 353-2500 is so busy is because people do not understand this is for NON-EMERGENCY situations ONLY.  There should be an automated message that states “If this is an emergency; hang up and dial 911”.  I have mentioned this to the Town Manager several months ago and it still has not happened.  The Town is getting a new phone system and maybe this message will be on 353-2500.  

Rumor has it that the Town Council will be putting a Referendum question on the November ballot asking the people if they want to close the Lisbon
Communication Center or not.  Of course, this will be NON-BINDING so what good is it?  Also, the Town Council is NOT going to provide all the facts to the people in order to make a valid decision because they do not want the people to know what the facts are.  If the people knew all the facts, there would be no need for the question.  The Councilors are unaware of all the facts.  You know how I know that is because if they knew all the facts they would have already reenergized the project in order to provide residents with quality emergency service instead of hanging them out to dry.

The four imposters are keeping this project from moving forward.  This is just another example of their lack of concern for our community.  Two of these imposters are coming up for election in November and I hope the people remember all the pain they have caused this community.

Larry Fillmore

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20TH

The following is a summary of the events Tuesday night at the Town Council meeting.  

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances

1.  Ch. 70 Definitions – Medical Marijuana Definition (First Reading) – Chairman Bickford made a motion to table this action until after the election and rescheduled for December 6, 2016.  It was approved by the council by a vote of 7-0.
2. Outdoor Shooting Range (First Reading) – The Council approved the first reading by a vote of 7-0.
3. Annual approval of Residential Tax Club policy - The Council approved this policy by a vote of 7-0.
4. Order of Payment of taxes – The Council approved this by a vote of 7-0.
5. Voting Credentials for MMA Annual Business Meeting – The Council approved this by a vote of 7-0.
6. School Capital Reserve Request – This was approved by a vote of 7-0.

Larry Fillmore

HOW MANY REAL COUNCILORS ARE ON THE TOWN COUNCIL?????

I believe the right answer is three?  The rest are impostors.  This was clearly demonstrated Tuesday night.  First, we have to begin with “What is a Councilor?  Once an individual is “Elected” as a town councilor, he represents the people in his district or at large.  This means he no longer has a personal opinion but must vote for what is best for the community and the people of his district or at large.

 

Several years ago, the people voted out all three councilors up for reelection because these councilors failed to move the community forward and did not vote the desires of the people.  This needs to happen again this year!!!!!!  As a result Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts formed an alliance to control the Town Council.  You can see that I no longer call them Councilors because they have not earned the title.

 

These are the same individuals that created the situation with the School Budget several years ago.  This caused the town to have 5 referendums at a cost of $3,000.00 per referendum.  They also cost the town an increase in legal fees.  These four individuals were solely responsible for this situation.

 

Next, these same individuals put a stop to merging with Androscoggin County Dispatch.  This merger would eliminate the Lisbon Communication Center and allow for Androscoggin County Dispatch to immediately dispatch “OUR” First Responders upon receipt of a 911 call for emergency services.  This would have saved over $200,000.00 tax dollars per year.  So now, the taxpayers are forced to spend these additional funds which would help reduce our taxes.  Each year that goes by the taxpayers have to pay more tax dollars to operate the Lisbon Communication Center.  Roger Bickford refused to put the Lisbon Communication Center on the agenda.  Councilor Kolbe has asked to have this reviewed by Council but Roger Bickford is protecting former Chief Brooks.

 

Now, we come to Rick and Gina Mason wanting to sell used cars on their property.  The town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Land Usage Table all prohibit this action.  Roger Bickford has forced this action back to the Planning Board two or three times and each time the Planning Board comes back with it cannot be done.  They have tried a survey, workshop and Public Hearing and in every case the majority of residents have stated they did not want any changes to the zoning on Route 9.  Roger Bickford and his alliance are not going to accept the will of the people.  Councilors are supposed to take the desires of the people and vote that way.  These four individuals are voting to help a friend out instead of concentrating on what is best for the community and the desires of the people.  These four individuals have done more harm to this community in the past two years which has set the growth of this town back several years.

 

Individuals, who have their own personal agenda, should never become a Councilor because that is not what a Councilor is there for.  The people elect these individuals to represent their wishes and desires to move this community forward not backwards.  These individuals have forgotten their duties and responsibilities to the people of Lisbon and need to be replaced this November before they do any more damage to our community.    

 

I refuse to call Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts Councilors because they have demonstrated a behavior that clearly reflects they are not for making this town better.  They are forcing taxpayers’ taxes to increase every year.  Their decisions are based on loyalty to their friends and not what is best for our Community. 

 

Shame on them!!!!!

 

Larry Fillmore

Wendy Russell Featured Guest Speaker 10.20 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, October 20,  Wendy Russell, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Russell has been the Program Director of the Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) Program for 8 years. This program supports seniors  by providing volunteer support to help them be more independent and remain in their homes as long as possible. She is passionate about supporting the elderly and making a difference in their lives. She enjoys working with and supporting the volunteers.  With a degree in Management from the University of New Hampshire, Wendy has worked in the management/social services field for more than 30 years. She has a variety of experiences in working for non-profit organizations, from managing Community Child Care Programs, Head Start, and YWCA programs to working with youth with various disabilities at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in N.H. She has created volunteer programming and built community partnerships to support the programs.  Wendy has written and received many grants that have enhanced and supported the non-profit programs that she manages. Wendy lives in Lisbon for part of the year, and in Turner at their camp the other part of the year, with my husband Tim and they have two children. Jennifer is an Elementary School Teacher and Benjamin is a Family Room Specialist at the Apple store. She enjoys spending time at the lake with family & friends and going on vacations with them as well.  FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

HOW MANY REAL COUNCILORS ARE ON THE TOWN COUNCIL?????

I believe the right answer is three?  The rest are impostors.  This was clearly demonstrated Tuesday night.  First, we have to begin with “What is a Councilor?  Once an individual is “Elected” as a town councilor, he represents the people in his district or at large.  This means he no longer has a personal opinion but must vote for what is best for the community and the people of his district or at large.

 

Several years ago, the people voted out all three councilors up for reelection because these councilors failed to move the community forward and did not vote the desires of the people.  This needs to happen again this year!!!!!!  As a result Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts formed an alliance to control the Town Council.  You can see that I no longer call them Councilors because they have not earned the title.

 

These are the same individuals that created the situation with the School Budget several years ago.  This caused the town to have 5 referendums at a cost of $3,000.00 per referendum.  They also cost the town an increase in legal fees.  These four individuals were solely responsible for this situation.

 

Next, these same individuals put a stop to merging with Androscoggin County Dispatch.  This merger would eliminate the Lisbon Communication Center and allow for Androscoggin County Dispatch to immediately dispatch “OUR” First Responders upon receipt of a 911 call for emergency services.  This would have saved over $200,000.00 tax dollars per year.  So now, the taxpayers are forced to spend these additional funds which would help reduce our taxes.  Each year that goes by the taxpayers have to pay more tax dollars to operate the Lisbon Communication Center.  Roger Bickford refused to put the Lisbon Communication Center on the agenda.  Councilor Kolbe has asked to have this reviewed by Council but Roger Bickford is protecting former Chief Brooks.

 

Now, we come to Rick and Gina Mason wanting to sell used cars on their property.  The town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Land Usage Table all prohibit this action.  Roger Bickford has forced this action back to the Planning Board two or three times and each time the Planning Board comes back with it cannot be done.  They have tried a survey, workshop and Public Hearing and in every case the majority of residents have stated they did not want any changes to the zoning on Route 9.  Roger Bickford and his alliance are not going to accept the will of the people.  Councilors are supposed to take the desires of the people and vote that way.  These four individuals are voting to help a friend out instead of concentrating on what is best for the community and the desires of the people.  These four individuals have done more harm to this community in the past two years which has set the growth of this town back several years.

 

Individuals, who have their own personal agenda, should never become a Councilor because that is not what a Councilor is there for.  The people elect these individuals to represent their wishes and desires to move this community forward not backwards.  These individuals have forgotten their duties and responsibilities to the people of Lisbon and need to be replaced this November before they do any more damage to our community.    

 

I refuse to call Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts Councilors because they have demonstrated a behavior that clearly reflects they are not for making this town better.  They are forcing taxpayers’ taxes to increase every year.  Their decisions are based on loyalty to their friends and not what is best for our Community. 

 

Shame on them!!!!!

 

Larry Fillmore

HOW MANY REAL COUNCILORS ARE ON THE TOWN COUNCIL?????

I believe the right answer is three?  The rest are impostors.  This was clearly demonstrated Tuesday night.  First, we have to begin with “What is a Councilor?  Once an individual is “Elected” as a town councilor, he represents the people in his district or at large.  This means he no longer has a personal opinion but must vote for what is best for the community and the people of his district or at large.

 

Several years ago, the people voted out all three councilors up for reelection because these councilors failed to move the community forward and did not vote the desires of the people.  This needs to happen again this year!!!!!!  As a result Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts formed an alliance to control the Town Council.  You can see that I no longer call them Councilors because they have not earned the title.

 

These are the same individuals that created the situation with the School Budget several years ago.  This caused the town to have 5 referendums at a cost of $3,000.00 per referendum.  They also cost the town an increase in legal fees.  These four individuals were solely responsible for this situation.

 

Next, these same individuals put a stop to merging with Androscoggin County Dispatch.  This merger would eliminate the Lisbon Communication Center and allow for Androscoggin County Dispatch to immediately dispatch “OUR” First Responders upon receipt of a 911 call for emergency services.  This would have saved over $200,000.00 tax dollars per year.  So now, the taxpayers are forced to spend these additional funds which would help reduce our taxes.  Each year that goes by the taxpayers have to pay more tax dollars to operate the Lisbon Communication Center.  Roger Bickford refused to put the Lisbon Communication Center on the agenda.  Councilor Kolbe has asked to have this reviewed by Council but Roger Bickford is protecting former Chief Brooks.

 

Now, we come to Rick and Gina Mason wanting to sell used cars on their property.  The town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Land Usage Table all prohibit this action.  Roger Bickford has forced this action back to the Planning Board two or three times and each time the Planning Board comes back with it cannot be done.  They have tried a survey, workshop and Public Hearing and in every case the majority of residents have stated they did not want any changes to the zoning on Route 9.  Roger Bickford and his alliance are not going to accept the will of the people.  Councilors are supposed to take the desires of the people and vote that way.  These four individuals are voting to help a friend out instead of concentrating on what is best for the community and the desires of the people.  These four individuals have done more harm to this community in the past two years which has set the growth of this town back several years.

 

Individuals, who have their own personal agenda, should never become a Councilor because that is not what a Councilor is there for.  The people elect these individuals to represent their wishes and desires to move this community forward not backwards.  These individuals have forgotten their duties and responsibilities to the people of Lisbon and need to be replaced this November before they do any more damage to our community.    

 

I refuse to call Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts Councilors because they have demonstrated a behavior that clearly reflects they are not for making this town better.  They are forcing taxpayers’ taxes to increase every year.  Their decisions are based on loyalty to their friends and not what is best for our Community. 

 

Shame on them!!!!!

 

Larry Fillmore

HOW MANY REAL COUNCILORS ARE ON THE TOWN COUNCIL?????

I believe the right answer is three?  The rest are impostors.  This was clearly demonstrated Tuesday night.  First, we have to begin with “What is a Councilor?  Once an individual is “Elected” as a town councilor, he represents the people in his district or at large.  This means he no longer has a personal opinion but must vote for what is best for the community and the people of his district or at large.

 

Several years ago, the people voted out all three councilors up for reelection because these councilors failed to move the community forward and did not vote the desires of the people.  This needs to happen again this year!!!!!!  As a result Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts formed an alliance to control the Town Council.  You can see that I no longer call them Councilors because they have not earned the title.

 

These are the same individuals that created the situation with the School Budget several years ago.  This caused the town to have 5 referendums at a cost of $3,000.00 per referendum.  They also cost the town an increase in legal fees.  These four individuals were solely responsible for this situation.

 

Next, these same individuals put a stop to merging with Androscoggin County Dispatch.  This merger would eliminate the Lisbon Communication Center and allow for Androscoggin County Dispatch to immediately dispatch “OUR” First Responders upon receipt of a 911 call for emergency services.  This would have saved over $200,000.00 tax dollars per year.  So now, the taxpayers are forced to spend these additional funds which would help reduce our taxes.  Each year that goes by the taxpayers have to pay more tax dollars to operate the Lisbon Communication Center.  Roger Bickford refused to put the Lisbon Communication Center on the agenda.  Councilor Kolbe has asked to have this reviewed by Council but Roger Bickford is protecting former Chief Brooks.

 

Now, we come to Rick and Gina Mason wanting to sell used cars on their property.  The town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Land Usage Table all prohibit this action.  Roger Bickford has forced this action back to the Planning Board two or three times and each time the Planning Board comes back with it cannot be done.  They have tried a survey, workshop and Public Hearing and in every case the majority of residents have stated they did not want any changes to the zoning on Route 9.  Roger Bickford and his alliance are not going to accept the will of the people.  Councilors are supposed to take the desires of the people and vote that way.  These four individuals are voting to help a friend out instead of concentrating on what is best for the community and the desires of the people.  These four individuals have done more harm to this community in the past two years which has set the growth of this town back several years.

 

Individuals, who have their own personal agenda, should never become a Councilor because that is not what a Councilor is there for.  The people elect these individuals to represent their wishes and desires to move this community forward not backwards.  These individuals have forgotten their duties and responsibilities to the people of Lisbon and need to be replaced this November before they do any more damage to our community.    

 

I refuse to call Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Chris Brunelle and Dale Crafts Councilors because they have demonstrated a behavior that clearly reflects they are not for making this town better.  They are forcing taxpayers’ taxes to increase every year.  Their decisions are based on loyalty to their friends and not what is best for our Community. 

 

Shame on them!!!!!

 

Larry Fillmore

“GOOD OLD BOYS” OR COUNCILORS

On October 6, 2015, the community got a real good look at what we have for (fake) Councilors.  A review of the minutes provided a clear picture of the nature of Bickford, Metivier, Brunelle and Crafts and it is not pretty.  This was the day, these individuals put a stop to the consolidation of the Lisbon Communication Center with the Androscoggin County Dispatch.  This alliance would have saved the town over $190,000.00 per year.

 

The room was full and everyone had questions.  Most of these questions were simple ones that could have been answered by Chief Brooks, Sergeant Moore, Mr. Frederick Stacy (Former Dispatcher) or I.  During my tenue at the NAS Brunswick, I was tasked with connecting all the computers securely on both the Unclassified and Secure networks.  My team and I had to develop and design the entire project and then made it worked.  So, I have knowledge in this area and that makes me a subject matter expert (SME).  The questions being asked were normal questions asked by individuals unfamiliar with the environment.  However, no one was given the opportunity to answer any questions.

 

The only questions that needed to be asked were (1) How much are we going to be saving per year?  (2)  How long will the project take?  (3) How is this going to impact my life?  Because the residents have never worked in this area and have little to no experience in this field; they should have left it up to the professionals instead of asking minor questions like are you going to use “dark fiber”?  The resident only need to know that the solution provided was going to be secure.  However, many residents are the Town Council for a Public Hearing to get their questions answered.

 

I have no objections to a Public Hearing as long as it includes members of the Androscoggin County Dispatch to answer technical questions about their system.  I have been in contact with them and they are willing to come and answer questions.  Lisbon is the ONLY community that is not serviced by a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).  What this means to you is that under the current system when you call 911 for help; that call first goes to Androscoggin County Dispatch and then they HAVE to call Lisbon Communication Center before any First Responders are dispatched to the scene.  All the rest of the County and the state; First Responders are dispatched to the scene by Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) operators immediately instead of trying to notify Lisbon Communication Center prior to the dispatch of First Responders.  Lisbon Communication Center is an unnecessary middle step.  Stop to think about the time lag when Androscoggin County Dispatcher cannot reach anyone of 353-2500 because the line is busy.  This has happened several times.  There should be NO middle step.  Our First Responders should be immediately dispatched to the scene upon receipt of the 911 call.

 

The motion to stop this consolidation was made by Councilor Bickford and seconded by Councilor Metivier.  These two Councilors heard the people ask for a Public Hearing.  There are no questions that having Androscoggin County Dispatch provide dispatching service to the community will save a considerable amount of money.  So why is it that these two individuals, who are the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Town Council NOT asked any questions of the Androscoggin County Dispatch or setting up a Public Hearing for the people.  Why have they done nothing to move this along since October 2015?  Here is a proven situation where the town can reduce our operating cost and they are not doing anything.  They are protecting the Lisbon Communication Center because the “Good Old Boys” network does not want to close the Communication Center.

 

Councilors should be looking for ways to reduce our operating cost which will lower our taxes.  Lowering our taxes should be the number one priority of each Councilor.

 

Larry Fillmore